Dutch Eredivisie Preview: After Years Apart! Promoted Club Volendam Welcomes Ajax for Their Home Debut

At 22:45 on August 18, in the second round of the new season of the Dutch Eredivisie, promoted club Volendam will host Ajax at home. This is Volendam’s first home game since their promotion to the Eredivisie and also marks their first encounter with Ajax after six years; while Ajax aims for consecutive victories.

During the off-season, Volendam signed midfielder Ballard, defender Mamutovic, goalkeeper Bilica, and others, enhancing their strength compared to when they played in the Eerste Divisie. Ajax underwent a coaching change after last season, with Italian Farrioli taking the helm, who previously coached in the Turkish Super Lig and Ligue 1.

As a promoted team, Volendam suffered a 1-4 away defeat to Groningen in the first round. The match against Ajax is their first home game since promotion to the Eredivisie and also a chance to secure their first point in the top flight.

Ajax, who had a poor performance last season, achieved three consecutive wins in the Europa League qualifiers before winning 1-0 away against Vitesse Arnhem in the first round of the new Eredivisie season. New coach Farrioli has had a good start. Despite losing 0-1 at home to Panathinaikos in the second leg of the third round of the Europa League qualifiers, Ajax advanced to the playoff round through extra time and a penalty shootout.

Volendam has only played one game this new season, whereas Ajax has already played five games, including an extra-time and penalty shootout battle in the midweek Europa League. Although Ajax’s match fitness is stronger than Volendam’s, the physical toll on the team cannot be ignored.

The two teams last met in the 2018-19 Eredivisie season, where Ajax achieved a double over Volendam. Notably, in the last 20 encounters between the two sides, Volendam has drawn four and lost sixteen, failing to win any. Volendam’s last victory over Ajax was in the 2007-08 Dutch Cup, and their last Eredivisie win against Ajax was also in that season.

In terms of strength, Volendam is clearly at a disadvantage, but they are striving for a good result in their home debut. Ajax, who have started the new season strongly, aim for consecutive wins in the Eredivisie and continue to stay among the top teams.

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